Power source arrangements for self-testing alarm systems

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems, and methods for self-testing event devices of a building alarm system are described herein. One self-test alarm system device having a self-testing capability includes a first independent power source connected to a detector module and a second independent power source connected to a self-test module.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods forpower source arrangements for self-testing alarm systems.

BACKGROUND

Facilities (e.g., buildings), such as commercial facilities, officebuildings, hospitals, and the like, may have an alarm system that can betriggered during an emergency situation (e.g., a fire) to warn occupantsto evacuate. For example, an alarm system may include a control panel(e.g., a fire alarm control panel) within the building and a pluralityof event sensing self-test alarm system devices (e.g., hazard sensingdevices, such as fire detectors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxidedetectors, carbon dioxide detectors, other harmful chemical detectors,audio-visual monitoring devices, etc.) located throughout the facility(e.g., on different floors and/or in different rooms of the facility)that can sense a hazard event occurring in the facility and provide anotification of the hazard event to the occupants of the facility andbuilding monitoring personnel via alarms or other mechanisms.

These self-test alarm system devices need to be periodically checked toensure that they are operating properly. Some such devices havemechanisms included within the device that test the function of theself-test alarm system device to make sure it is functioning properly.These mechanisms are referred to as self-test mechanisms and suchself-test alarm system devices are referred to as self-test self-testalarm system devices.

In an alarm system that uses self-testing self-test alarm systemdevices, the devices include software/firmware and/or hardware to allowthe sensing device to perform a self-test to determine that theself-test alarm system device is operating correctly. A self-testingfire alarm system self-test alarm system device can, for example,include a particle generator and an airflow generator configured togenerate an aerosol to trigger a fire response by a smoke sensor withinthe device to determine whether the self-testing fire sensing self-testalarm system device is functioning properly based on the fire responseand the determined airflow rate.

Some self-test components use a large amount of power (e.g., in someinstances, in the range of 3-4 Watts) during the self-test process.Since one power source is typically used for all of the components ofsuch self-test alarm system device within an alarm system, the largepower draw from all of these devices means that, on wired-loop basedfire systems, the self-testing would need to be accomplished on only onedevice at a time. This means, that it can take significant time to carryout each test, as each individual self-test self-test alarm systemdevice would need to be tested in series.

Therefore, the system would need to be placed in test mode for aconsiderable amount of time (e.g., in the region of one hour for aelectrically connected loop having 150 detectors). While the system canbe returned to active mode in between tests to check for fire events, itdoes mean that the facility may not get immediate responses to a realfire, either by a pull station being activated or a detector signaling ahazard event alarm.

Due to the power requirements of using the self-test technology, thismay also limit the ability to use the self-test detectors in, forexample, large, electrically connected, wired loops/spurs with longcable runs. This can lead to restrictions in the way the self-testtechnology can be used in some implementations.

Also, within smaller simpler and/or more compact sites a visualinspection could potentially be carried out more quickly than theself-tests on the devices. Such delays in self-testing can lead to ‘downtime’ for expensive technicians.

Further, in some current wireless fire alarm systems, primary batterieswithin the self-test alarm system device are used to power all thedetectors of an alarm system. However, the battery monitoring may notalways be carried out effectively.

For example, although they are constantly monitored for capacity, undercurrent processes, it may be difficult to give an accurate assessment ofhow much capacity re within the battery. It is important to get anaccurate view in order to ensure they are still viable and not comingtoward the end of their life. Often batteries are replaced either tooearly or, worse still, too late, leading to a compromised fire system oran additional visit from a technician.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of an alarm system having a number of self-testingself-test alarm system devices that can be used in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an example of a self-test alarm system device having self-testcapabilities in a self-testing alarm system, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example of a power source arrangement for a self-testingalarm system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is another example of a power source arrangement for aself-testing alarm system, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is another example of a power source arrangement for aself-testing alarm system, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is another example of a power source arrangement for aself-testing alarm system, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices, systems, and methods for power source arrangements forself-testing alarm systems are described herein. The embodiments of thepresent disclosure enhance self-test arrangements for wired alarmsystems and can speed up the self-testing process as well as giving moreaccurate readings on battery capacities, among other benefits. In suchsystems, it can be important to have an accurate battery measurement asthe self-testing process must be able to work reliably over the life ofthe self-test alarm system device while potentially using a significantamount of power.

Examples of embodiments of the present disclosure include a self-testalarm system device having a self-testing capability wherein the deviceincludes one of: a self-test module powered by an integrated primarywired power source or battery; or a self-test module powered by anintegrated secondary wired power source. Another embodiment includes aself-test alarm system device having a self-testing capability, thedevice includes a first independent power source connected to a detectormodule and a second independent power source connected to a self-testmodule.

For wired applications—the self-test module powered by a local powersource or battery would (when placed in self-test mode) enable thedetector to draw current from the integrated power source in order tocarry out a self-test function. This arrangement will also enable alldetectors on the loop, with this power source, to be able tosimultaneously go into self-test mode on the loop. Such an arrangementcan, for example, provide self-testing results back to the technicianfor the whole all self-testing devices on the system in less than oneminute. This can be irrespective of the size of site and installation asthe power sources are located local by the self-testing self-test alarmsystem devices.

This results in lower down time for the technician and safer testing ofthe alarm system as it would be in test mode for only a limited amountof time and, therefore, (once the self-testing has been completed) itwould enable alarm system to come back to active mode status veryquickly.

A further application for embodiments of the present disclosure is foralarm systems with heavy loading of devices on alarm system loops/spursor with devices having longer cable lengths. These devices could be usedat the extremities of the alarm system, in order to enable the self-testprocesses to be carried out effectively, for example, on the mostchallenging applications.

In such implementations, for wireless applications—the self-test modulepowered, for example, by radio frequency (RF) detectors existing wiredpower source/battery or a dedicated wired power source/battery, whenplaced in self-test mode would enable the detector to draw current fromthe specified power source in order to carry out the self-test function.Further, such embodiments enable all detectors on the RF system withthis function to simultaneously go into self-test mode.

This can provide results back to the technician, for example in lessthan one minute, irrespective of the size of site and installation.Again, this can result in lower down time for the technician and safertesting of the alarm system, as it would be in test mode for only alimited amount of time and, therefore, (once the test has beencompleted) it would enable the alarm system to come back to active modestatus very quickly.

A further application for embodiments of the present disclosure relatesto battery load testing. As the self-test process draws a significantamount current, this implementation will place the self-test alarmsystem devices into a load test. A load test allows for the opportunityto get a reading on the battery capacity and determine, for example aspart of routine maintenance, whether the batteries providing power to aspecific self-test alarm system device need replacement. This processcan be accomplished, for example, by a controller attached to theself-test alarm system devices.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof. The drawings show by wayof illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may bepracticed.

These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those ofordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments hereincan be added, exchanged, combined, and/or eliminated so as to provide anumber of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Theproportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in thefigures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the presentdisclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the firstdigit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and theremaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing.Similar elements or components between different figures may beidentified by the use of similar digits. For example, 107 may referenceelement “07” in FIG. 1 , and a similar element may be referenced as 207in FIG. 2 .

As used herein, “a”, “an”, or “a number of” something can refer to oneor more such things, while “a plurality of” something can refer to morethan one such things. For example, “a number of components” can refer toone or more components, while “a plurality of components” can refer tomore than one component.

FIG. 1 is an example of an alarm system having a number of self-testingself-test alarm system devices that can be used in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustratedembodiment, an alarm response system 101 includes a building alarmsystem 103 within a building 117, a central monitoring station having atleast one computing device 109 with links to a number of emergencyservice providers 113 that can, for example, dispatch emergencypersonnel 115 (e.g., fire fighters) to the building 117.

The emergency personnel can be dispatched, for example, in response toan event alarm signal being generated by the control panel 105 withinthe alarm system 103. An event alarm signal is generated in response todata from one or more alarm system self-test alarm system devices 107(e.g., self-test alarm system devices, such as smoke detectors) withinthe alarm system indicating that an event (e.g., a fire) may beoccurring.

The alarm system can be any system that is used to monitor events thatwill affect occupants of the building. Examples of suitable alarm systemtypes include fire alarm, building security, and building accesssystems. As shown in FIG. 1 , the alarm system illustrated is a firealarm system and includes a number of alarm system devices 107 and acontrol panel for managing the operation of the alarm system and itsdevices.

As used herein, the term “control panel” refers to a device to controlcomponents of an alarm system of a facility (building). For example, thecontrol panel 105 can be a fire control panel that can receiveinformation from event devices 107 and determine whether a hazard eventis occurring or has occurred.

The control panel 105 can be connected to the number of alarm systemdevices 107. As used herein, the term “alarm system device” refers to adevice that can receive an input relating to an event. Such an event canbe, for instance, a hazard event such as a fire. For example, an alarmsystem device can receive an input relating to a fire occurring in thefacility. Such alarm system devices 107 can be a part of an alarm systemof the facility and can include devices such as fire sensors, smokedetectors, heat detectors, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, otherchemical detectors, or combinations of these; interfaces; pull stations;input/output modules; aspirating units; and/or audio/visual devices,such as speakers, sounders, buzzers, microphones, cameras, videodisplays, video screens, among other types of alarm system devices.

These alarm system self-test alarm system devices 107 can be automatic,self-test devices, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, COdetectors, and/or others. Such self-test devices can include mechanismsthat generate aerosols, heat, carbon monoxide, etc. and sense theseitems, as appropriate to the type of device being tested, in the deviceto test the performance of the device. This can, for example, be used totest the self-test alarm system device's thermal, chemical, and/or photosensing capabilities.

The alarm system 103 can also include an edge/gateway device 111. Thegateway device acts as a pass through device for communicating betweenthe alarm system 103 in the building and the central monitoring station109 and other components of the response personnel status system 101that are at remote locations (i.e., outside the building).

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a gateway device of analarm system at a facility (building) reports event alarm signals to oneor more central monitoring servers. These servers may be on premise(within the facility) or, as shown in the example of FIG. 1 , offpremise (at a remote location from the alarm system components).

From there, the event alarm signals are reported to the appropriatecentral monitoring station that includes administrators that coordinateactivities to respond appropriately based on the type of event that isoccurring. For example, a fire event would need a fire based responsethat would likely include alerting a fire station to send trucks andcontacting medical personnel, if injuries seem likely. For a securityissue, security personnel and/or the police would be contacted. Thecentral monitoring servers are connected back to one or more alarmsystems on site and/or remote (cloud) servers.

FIG. 2 is an example of a self-test alarm system device having self-testcapabilities in a self-testing alarm system, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure. The self-testing self-testalarm system devices of an alarm system such as alarm system 103 of FIG.1 have several components that need power from a power source in orderfor the device to function properly. The power source connections haveintentionally not been made in FIG. 2 to emphasize the parts of such adevice and as the several connection arrangements will be discussed inmore detail below. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , a self-testalarm system device 207 can have a controller 218, a detector 220, aself-test module 222, and a power source for the self-test alarm systemdevice 224.

The controller 218 can include a processor and memory or firmware tocarry out control functions for the self-test alarm system device. Forexample, memory can have instructions and/or data stored therein, wherethe executable instructions are executable by the processor to carry outcontrol functions to control the detector 220 and/or the self-testmodule 222. Discussed below are several power source arrangements forconnecting these and other self-test alarm system device components toone or more power sources.

FIG. 3 is an example of a power source arrangement for a self-testingalarm system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

Illustrated in FIG. 3 are a number of components within a self-testalarm system device 300 of an alarm system. As illustrated, thecomponents include a self-test module 308 electrically connected to apower source 302. The power source 302 is connected to the power loop301 that provides power for the self-test alarm system device. As usedherein, the power loop is a wired loop that can be used for distributionof power to components of the self-test alarm system device, such as adetector module or an audio or visual alarm indicator (e.g., strobe orsiren).

In some implementations, the powered loop can also be used as acommunication loop. One example of a wired power loop having acommunications component could be 24V to 48V DC power, with digitalcommunications/data modulated on to it.

Also connected to the power loop 301 is a controller 304 and a charger306. As used herein, a controller can be used to control the functionsof the detector module. A controller can also be used to control thefunctions of the self-test module. In some embodiments, a singlecontroller can control the functions of the detector and self-testmodule.

A charger can be used to extract power from the power loop anddistribute it to the power source 302. This can allow the power sourceto be charged over time as the self-test module uses the power in thepower source. In such embodiments, the power source can be a battery ora capacitor (e.g., a super capacitor).

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a first independent powersource (not shown) connected to a detector module (not shown) and asecond independent power source 302 connected to a self-test module 308.In this manner, power can be independently provided to the detectormodule and the self-test module, by different power sources.

Further, as illustrated, the second independent power source 302 can bedirectly electrically connected to the power loop 301. In this manner,the second independent power source can receive consistent power over along period of time without interruption.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the second independent power source302 can be directly electrically connected to the self-test module 308.The second independent power source can also be directly electricallyconnected to the power loop in addition to its direct connection to theself-test module. In such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , the secondindependent power source 302 receives a trickle charge from the powerloop. The trickle charge keeps the second independent power sourcecharged, but does not overly reduce power available at the power loop asit trickles lower power to the second independent power source over along period of time.

The self-test alarm system device can include a controller directlyelectrically connected to a power loop. The controller can, for example,be powered by the power loop and can control the flow of power to andfrom components such as the charger, the power source, and the self-testmodule.

In some embodiments, the self-test alarm system device can include acharger directly electrically connected to a power loop. The charger canalso or alternatively be directly electrically connected to the secondindependent power source. Such embodiments allow the charger to transferpower from the power loop to the self-test module.

In embodiments described herein, the second power source (connected tothe self-test module) can be used to operate the self-test module whilethe detector module is being powered by the first power source (e.g.,power, capacitor, or primary battery). Such a structure cannot beutilized in prior power arrangements, as secondary backup power sourcesin alarm systems, generally, have only been used as backup sources forwhen the primary power source is inaccessible and self-test devices haveheretofore not had any secondary power sources at all.

FIG. 4 is another example of a power source arrangement for aself-testing alarm system, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. As illustrated, the components of the self-testalarm system device 400 include a self-test module 408 electricallyconnected to an independent power source 412. The independent powersource 412 is electrically connected to the controller 404 which isdirectly electrically connected to power loop 401 for the self-testalarm system device. However, in this embodiment, the power source 412does not receive any power from the power loop 401. The power loop 401does provide power to the controller 404 and other components of theself-test alarm system device, such as the detector module.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 , the self-test alarm systemdevice 400 having a self-testing capability includes a first independentpower source connected to a detector module (not shown) and a secondindependent power source connected to a self-test module. In thisexample, the second power source 412 (e.g., a battery) is electricallyconnected between the self-test module 408 and a controller 404. Forexample, the controller can be directly electrically connected to thesecond independent power source. Further, in some instances, thecontroller can be directly electrically connected to a power loop.

FIG. 5 is another example of a power source arrangement for aself-testing alarm system, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. As illustrated, the components of the self-testalarm system device 500 include a self-test module 508 electricallyconnected to an independent secondary power source 512 (e.g., abattery). The independent secondary power source 512 is electricallyconnected to the controller 504-1. On a separate circuit, an independentprimary power source 502 (e.g., a battery) is electrically connected toa detector 510 that is electrically connected to a controller 504-2. Insuch an embodiment, both circuits do not need to be connected to power.In this manner, these devices can be utilized without wiring to power,allow for greater flexibility in installation locations, among otherbenefits.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5 , a self-test alarm system devicehaving a self-testing capability can include a first independent powersource connected to a self-test module and to a controller, wherein thefirst independent power source is not connected to a power supply.

In this implementation, the controller 504-1 can provide a number offunctions regarding the operation of the circuit. For example, thecontroller can control the metering of power to the self-test moduleand/or the initiation of a self-test process. As illustrated in FIG. 5 ,the first independent power source can be electrically connected betweenthe self-test module and the controller.

In some embodiments, the self-test alarm system device includes a secondindependent power source 502 connected to a detector module 510 with thesecond power source not connected to a power supply. Further, in someembodiments, the second independent power source 502 can be electricallyconnected to a controller 504-2.

In this manner, the second independent power source can also beelectrically connected to a controller that is different from thecontroller connected to the first independent power source. This allowsthe controllers to each control functions of their own circuitindependent of each other.

Additionally, in various embodiments, the detector module can be abattery powered, wireless, detector module. Likewise, the firstindependent power source connected to the self-test module can also be abattery power source.

FIG. 6 is another example of a power source arrangement for aself-testing alarm system, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. As illustrated, the components of the self-testalarm system device 600 include a self-test module 608 electricallyconnected to an independent secondary power source 612. The independentpower source 612 is electrically connected to the controller 604. Alsoelectrically connected to the independent power source 612 is a detector610.

Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 , the embodiment of FIG.6 provides a self-test alarm system device having a self-testingcapability that can include a first independent power source connectedto a self-test module and to a controller, wherein the first independentpower source is not connected to a power supply.

In some embodiments, the first independent power source can also beelectrically connected to a detector module. For example, such anarrangement is illustrated in FIG. 6 .

As discussed above with regard to the controllers used in these powerarrangements, a controller can have a processor and memory or firmwareto execute instructions to carry out the functions of the circuit towhich they are connected. As used herein, memory can be any type ofstorage medium that can be accessed by the processor to perform variousexamples of the present disclosure. For example, the memory can be anon-transitory computer readable medium having computer readableinstructions (e.g., executable instructions/computer programinstructions) stored thereon that are executable by the processor forself-test alarm system device maintenance including self-test processfor testing one or more detector modules within a self-test alarm systemdevice, in accordance with the present disclosure. The computer readableinstructions can be executable by the processor to generate mist, heat,a chemical, etc. to elicit a hazard alert signal by the self-test alarmsystem device.

The memory can be volatile or nonvolatile memory. The memory can also beremovable (e.g., portable) memory, or non-removable (e.g., internal)memory. For example, the memory can be random access memory (RAM) (e.g.,dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and/or phase change random accessmemory (PCRAM)), read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM) and/or compact-disc read-onlymemory (CD-ROM)), flash memory, a laser disc, a digital versatile disc(DVD) or other optical storage, and/or a magnetic medium such asmagnetic cassettes, tapes, or disks, among other types of memory.

Further, although memory is illustrated as being located within mobiledevice, embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. Forexample, memory can also be located internal to another computingresource (e.g., enabling computer readable instructions to be downloadedover the Internet or another wired or wireless connection).

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of thedisclosure.

It is to be understood that the above description has been made in anillustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of theabove embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically describedherein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing theabove description.

The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes anyother applications in which the above structures and methods are used.Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullrange of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are groupedtogether in example embodiments illustrated in the figures for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of thedisclosure require more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim.

Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter liesin less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed:
 1. A self-test alarm system device having aself-testing capability wherein the device comprises: a firstindependent power source connected to a detector module; and a secondindependent power source connected to a self-test module, and whereinthe second power source is not connected to a power supply, and whereinthe second independent power source is electrically connected to acontroller different from the controller connected to the firstindependent power source.
 2. The self-test alarm system device of claim1, wherein the second independent power source is directly electricallyconnected to a power loop.
 3. The self-test alarm system device of claim2, wherein the second independent power source is directly electricallyconnected to the self-test module.
 4. The self-test alarm system deviceof claim 1, wherein the second independent power source is directlyelectrically connected to the self-test module.
 5. The self-test alarmsystem device of claim 1, wherein the second independent power sourcereceives a trickle charge from the power loop.
 6. The self-test alarmsystem device of claim 1, wherein the self-test alarm system devicefurther includes a controller directly electrically connected to a powerloop.
 7. The self-test alarm system device of claim 1, wherein theself-test alarm system device further includes a charger directlyelectrically connected to a power loop.
 8. The self-test alarm systemdevice of claim 7, wherein the charger is directly electricallyconnected to the second independent power source and provides power fromthe power loop to the second independent power source.
 9. A self-testalarm system device having a self-testing capability wherein the devicecomprises: a first independent power source connected to a detectormodule; and a second independent power source connected to a self-testmodule, wherein the second power source is electrically connectedbetween the self-test module and a controller, and wherein the secondpower source is not connected to a power supply, and wherein the secondindependent power source is electrically connected to a controllerdifferent from the controller connected to the first independent powersource.
 10. The self-test alarm system device of claim 9, wherein thecontroller is directly electrically connected to the second independentpower source.
 11. The self-test alarm system device of claim 9, whereinthe controller is directly electrically connected to a power loop.
 12. Aself-test alarm system device having a self-testing capability whereinthe device comprises: a first independent power source connected to aself-test module and to a controller, wherein the first independentpower source is not connected to a power supply; and wherein a secondindependent power source is connected to a detector module and whereinthe second power source is not connected to a power supply, and whereinthe second independent power source is electrically connected to acontroller different from the controller connected to the firstindependent power source.
 13. The self-test alarm system device of claim12, wherein the first independent power source is electrically connectedbetween the self-test module and the controller.
 14. The self-test alarmsystem device of claim 12, wherein the second independent power sourceis electrically connected to a controller.
 15. The self-test alarmsystem device of claim 12, wherein the detector module is a batterypowered, wireless, detector module.
 16. The self-test alarm systemdevice of claim 12, wherein the first independent power source isfurther electrically connected to a detector module.
 17. The self-testalarm system device of claim 12, wherein the first independent powersource connected to the self-test module is a battery power source. 18.The self-test alarm system device of claim 12, wherein the firstindependent power source is electrically connected between thecontroller and the self-test module.